Patient Representatives

Coordinate communication between patients, family members, medical staff, administrative staff, or regulatory agencies.

Interview patients or their representatives to identify problems relating to care.

Maintain knowledge of community services and resources available to patients.

Refer patients to appropriate health care services or resources.

Investigate and direct patient inquiries or complaints to appropriate medical staff members and follow up to ensure satisfactory resolution.

Explain policies, procedures, or services to patients using medical or administrative knowledge.

Provide consultation or training to volunteers or staff on topics such as guest relations, patients' rights, or medical issues.

Collect and report data on topics such as patient encounters or inter-institutional problems, making recommendations for change when appropriate.

Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field.

Identify and share research, recommendations, or other information regarding legal liabilities, risk management, or quality of care.

Develop and distribute newsletters, brochures, or other printed materials to share information with patients or medical staff.

Analyze patients' abilities to pay to determine charges on a sliding scale.

Teach patients to use home health care equipment.